SPEAKING TOPIC – SEPTEMBER 2021 – RAY NGUYEN
PART ONE When do you travel by car?
01. Special costumes
Do you like to wear special costumes?
Did you try any special costumes when you were
young?
When was your last time to wear special costumes?
Do you ever buy special costumes?
02. Advertisement
What kinds of advertisements do you watch?
Where can you see advertisements?
Have you ever bought something because of its
advertisement?
Do you watch advertisements from the beginning to
the end?
03. Barbecue
Do Vietnamese people like barbecue?
What kind of food do you like to eat for barbecue?
Would you like to have barbecue with your family or
your friends?
Did you have barbecue when you were a child?
04. Car trip
Do you like to travel by car?
Are there any flowers that have special meanings in
Vietnam?
Where is the farthest place you have traveled to by
car? Have you planted any flowers?
Do you like to sit in the front or back when traveling by Have you sent flowers to others?
car?
08. Holidays
05. Environmental protection
Where did you go for your last holiday?
Would you like to work in a company related to
environmental protection? Do you like holidays? Why?
How can we protect the environment? Which public holiday do you like best?
Do you think you've done enough to protect the What do you do on holidays?
environment?
Is there education about environmental protection at 09. Primary School
school?
What did you like to do the most when you were in
primary school?
06. Festival How did you go to your primary school?
How do you celebrate festivals in your country? How do you like your primary school?
What special food and activities do you have What did you do in your leisure time in your primary
school?
for these festivals?
How do you celebrate Spring Festival?
10. Relax
What is your favorite festival?
What would you do to relax?
Do you think doing sports is a good way to
07. Flowers
relax?
What kinds of flowers do you know?
Do you think vacation is a good time to relax?
Do you think students need more relaxing time?
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 SPEAKING TOPIC – SEPTEMBER 2021 – RAY NGUYEN
11. Sky and Stars
Do you like to look at the sky? Why?
Can you see the moon and stars at night where you
live?
Do you prefer the sky in the morning or the sky at
night?
Is there a good place to look at the sky where you
live?
Do you like to see the stars at night?
Do you want to live on other planets?
12. Wallet
Do you use a wallet?
Have you ever lost your wallet?
Have you ever sent a wallet to someone as a
gift?
Do most of your friends use wallet?
13. Wild Animals
Do you like to watch TV programs about wild animals?
Did you learn something about wild animals at school?
Where can you see wild animals?
In which country do you think you can see
many wild animals?
14. Home/Accommodation
What kind of house or flat do you want to live in in the
future?
Are the transport facilities to your home very
good?
Do you prefer living in a house or a flat?
Please describe the room you live in.
What part of your home do you like the most?
How long have you lived there?
Do you plan to live there for a long time?
What's the difference between where you are
living now and where you have lived in the
past?
Can you describe the place where you live?
What room does your family spend most of the
time in?
15. Hometown
Is that a big city or a small place?
ls there anything you dislike about it?
What do you like (most) about your hometown?
Do you like living there?
Do you like your hometown?
How long have you been living there?
2
Please describe your hometown a little.
Do you think you will continue living there for a long
time?
16. The area you live in
Do you like the area that you live in? (peaceful, close
to my workplace -> save commute time, great
residential area all around)
What are some changes in the area recently? (in
terms of infrastructure, construction of a new
overpass, positively/negatively affect the area)
Do you know any famous people in your area?
Where do you like to go in that area? (concrete jungle,
hidden charms, pedestrian street)
17. Work or study
What technology do you use at work?
What technology do you use when you study?
What subjects are you studying?
Why did you choose to study that subject?
Do you like your subject?
Is it very interesting?
Are you looking forward to working?
Do you prefer to study in the mornings or in the
afternoons?
Why did you choose to do that type of work (or that
job)?
 SPEAKING TOPIC – SEPTEMBER 2021 – RAY NGUYEN
Do you like your job?
Is it very interesting?
Do you miss being a student?
What work do you do?
18. Handwriting
Do you like handwriting?
Do you think handwriting is important?
Which do you prefer, handwriting or typing?
What's the differences between handwriting and
typing?
19. Headphones
Do you use headphones?
What type of headphones do you use?
When would you use headphones?
In what conditions, you won't use headphones?
20. Shoes
Do you like buying shoes? How often?
Have you ever bought shoes online?
How much money do you usually spend on shoes?
Which do you prefer, fashionable shoes or comfortable
shoes?
21. Science
Do you like science?
When did you start to learn about science?
Which science subject is interesting to you?
What kinds of interesting things have you done with
science?
22. Public gardens and parks
Would you like to play in a public garden or park?
What do you like to do when visiting a park?
How have parks changed today compared to
the time when you were a kid?
Would you prefer to play in a personal garden or public
garden?
23. Pets and Animals
What's your favorite animal? Why?
What is the most popular animal in Vietnam?
Have you ever had a pet before?
Where do you prefer to keep your pet, indoors or
outdoors?
24. Concentration
Is it difficult for you to stay focused on something?
3
What do you do to help you concentrate?
What may distract you when you're trying to
stay focused?
When do you need to be focused?
25. Getting lost
Have you ever lost your way?
How can you find your way when you are lost?
Can you read a map when you get lost?
Have you ever helped someone who got lost?
26. Weather
What kind of weather do you like most?
What's the weather like in your hometown?
Do you like the weather in your hometown?
Do you prefer dry or wet weather?
27. Colours
What's your favourite colour?
What's the colour you dislike? Why?
What colours do your friends like most?
What colour makes you uncomfortable in your
room?
 SPEAKING TOPIC – SEPTEMBER 2021 – RAY NGUYEN

28. App

What apps have you recently used?

What kinds of apps are you usually interested in?

What was the first app you used?

What kinds of apps would you like to use in the

future?

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 SPEAKING TOPIC – SEPTEMBER 2021 – RAY NGUYEN
PART TWO & THREE
01. Describe a quiet place you like to spend your
time in
How you knew it / How often you go there / What you
do there / And explain why you like the place
P3: Is it hard to find quiet places in cities?
Why is it quieter in the countryside?
Why do people go to quiet places?
Compared with young people, do old people
prefer to live in quiet places?
02. Describe a time when you helped a friend
When it was / How you helped him/her/ Why you
helped him/her / And how you felt about it.
P3: How do people usually help each other?
How is online help different from real-life help?
Should schools be responsible for teaching
students how to cooperate?
What are the differences between help from
friends and help from family?
03. Describe a time when you tried to do
something
but it was not successful. (new)
When it was / What you tried / Why it was not
successful / And how you felt about it.
P3: What's your definition of success?
What things do children try to succeed in?
Which do you think is more important for people to
become successful? Hard work or opportunities?
Do you think people will be happy if they don't have
any goals to achieve?
04. Describe a piece of local news that people are
interested in
What it was about / Where you saw / heard it / Who
was involved/ And explain why people were interested
in it.
P3: Do people read newspaper where you live?
Do people prefer local or international news?
Do you think it's important to have national identity?
How can people develop their national identity?
05. Describe a time when you shared something
with others (or another person)
What you shared / Who you shared it with / Why you
shared it / And explain how you felt about sharing it
P3: Do you like to share?
What are the consequences if children don't like to
share?
How do you feel about sharing accommodation with
others on campus?
How could parents and teachers teach young
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children to share.
06. Describe a tall building in your city you like or
dislike
Where it is / What it is used for / What it looks like /
And explain why you like or dislike it.
P3: What are the disadvantages of living in tall
buildings?
Do you think there will be more tall buildings in
the future?
Why aren't there many tall buildings in the
countryside?
Why do some people like to live in tall buildings
nowadays?
07. Describe a company that employs a lot of
people (new)
What it does / How many people it employs / What
kind of people work there / How you feel about it.
P3: Should big companies be punished more seriously
if they break the law?
Should big companies donate more to charities?
What are the good things about working for a big
company?
What are the differences between big companies and
small companies?
 SPEAKING TOPIC – SEPTEMBER 2021 – RAY NGUYEN
08. Describe a leisure activity near/ on the sea that
you want to try
What it is/ What you need to prepare/ How easy or
difficult it is/ And explain why you want to try it.
P3: What are the advantages and disadvantages of
vacations to the seaside?
Why do people like spending time on the sea?
Why do children like the sea better than adults?
What types of job positions can be found on or
near the sea?
09. Describe a law on environmental protection
What it is/ How you first learnt about it/ Who benefits
from it/ Explain how you feel about this law.
P3: Are there laws about education in Vietnam?
What kinds of rules do schools in Vietnam have?
What can teachers do to make students obey
rules?
What should parents do to educate children
about laws?
10. Describe a piece of equipment that is important
in your home (new)
What it is / How often you use it/ With whom you use
it/ And explain why it is important
P3: What kinds of machines are there in people's
homes?
What are the differences between the young and
the old in their attitudes towards machines?
What kinds of professions require people to use
machines?
Will many people's work be done by robots in the
future?
11. Describe an article on health you read in a
magazine or on the Internet
What it was/ Where you read it/ Why you read it/ How
you felt about it.
P3: Do you think people are healthier now than in
the past?
How can you tell whether a website is reliable or not?
What activities can school organize for children to
keep fit?
What can governments do to improve people's health?
12. Describe a time you bought something from a
street (or outdoor) market. (new)
When it was/Where the market was/ What you bought/
And how you felt about it.
P3: What kinds of markets are there in Vietnam?
Do you think small markets will disappear in the
future?
6
Have people's shopping habits changed in recent
years?
What are the differences between shopping in street
markets and big shopping malls?
13. Describe an occasion when you were not
allowed to use your mobile phone
When it was/ Where it was/ Why you were not allowed
to use your mobile phone/ And how you felt about it.
P3: How do young and old people use mobile phones
differently?
What positive and negative impact do mobile phones
have on friendship.
Is it a waste of time to take pictures with mobile
phones?
Do you think it is necessary to have laws on the use of
mobile phones?
14. Describe an argument two of your friends had
When it happened/ What it was about/ How it was
solved / And how you felt about it.
P3: Do you think argument is important?
What do family members usually have arguments
about?
Is it easier for you to have arguments with your family
or with your friends?
Do you think people should change the way they think
when having arguments?
 SPEAKING TOPIC – SEPTEMBER 2021 – RAY NGUYEN
15. Describe a time you saw something interesting
on social media
When it was/ Where you saw it/ What you saw/ and
explain why you think it was interesting
P3: Why do people like to use social media?
What kinds of things are popular on social media?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using
social media?
What do you think of making friends on social
network?
16. Describe a plan in your life (that is not related
to work or study
When it happened/ Who you were with / What
happened/ And explain why most people were smiling.
P3: Should parents make plans for children?
When should children start to make plans for
themselves?
What things should be planned on a daily basis?
Are plans always necessary? Can people succeed
without plans?
17. Describe an occasion when many people were
smiling:
When it happened/ Who you were with/ What
happened/ Explain why most people were smiling.
P3: Do you think people who like to smile are more
friendly?
Why do most people smile in photographs?
Do women smile more than men? Why?
Do people smile more when they are younger or
older?
18. Describe a movie that you like
When you watched it/ Where you watched it/ What it
was about/ And explain why you like it.
P3: Are films a waste of money?
Are movie stars important to a movie?
Are foreign movies popular in Vietnam?
Is it important that a country has its own movies?
19. Describe a singer you like
Who he/she is/ What his/her personality is like/What
kind of style his/her music belongs to/ Explain why you
like him/her.
P3: What kind of music do people like at different
ages?
What kind of music is popular in Vietnam now and
what kind will be in the future?
Do Vietnamese parents require their children to learn
to play musical instruments?
Why do some people like to listen to live music while
others prefer CDs?
7
20. Describe a town or city where you would like to
live in the future.
Where it is/ How you knew it/ What it is famous for/
And why you would like to live there.
P3: Why do more and more people live in the city?
How does this affect the environment and nature?
What are some factors that attract people to settle
down in certain places?
What are the differences of the young and old when
choosing where to live?
21. Describe a natural talent (sports, music, etc)
you want to improve
What it is/ When you discovered it/ How you want to
improve it/ How you feel about it.
P3: Do you think artists with talents should focus on
their talents?
Is it possible for us to know whether children who are 3
or 4 years old will become musicians and painters
when they grow up?
Why do people like to watch talent shows?
Do you think it is more interesting to watch famous
people's or ordinary people's shows?
22. Describe an activity that you do after school/
work. (new)
What it is/ when and where you do it/ who you do it
with/ how you feel about it?
 SPEAKING TOPIC – SEPTEMBER 2021 – RAY NGUYEN
P3: Why do some people enjoy extreme sports?
Are men more likely to do extreme sports than
women?
What are the most popular outdoor activities in
Vietnam?
What do young people usually do in groups?
23. Describe a (jigsaw, crossword, etc.) puzzle you
have played
What it is like/ How easy or difficult it is/ How long it
takes you to solve/ How you feel about it.
P3: Why do parents let their children play puzzles?
What kinds of puzzles can improve people's
intelligence?
Why are detective stories attractive to people?
Which do you think is better? A detective movie
or its original novel?
24. Describe someone who is older than you that
you admire
Who this person is/ How you knew this person/What
kinds of things you like to do together/ Explain how
you feel about this.
P3: What can young and old people learn from each
other?
Has old people's life quality improved when compared
to the past?
Why is there generation gap between the young and
the old?
What do old people usually do in their daily life?
25. Describe an art or craft activity (e.g., painting,
woodwork, etc.) that you had (at school).
What you made/ How you made it/What it looked like.
How you felt about it.
P3: What traditional handcrafts are popular in
Vietnam?
What do young people think of traditional handcrafts?
Do people in your country send handcrafts as gifts?
What are the benefits of making handcrafts?
26. Describe a time when you got up early (new)
When it was/ What you did/ Why you got up early/
How you felt about it.
P3: Do you know anyone who likes to get up early?
Why do people get up early?
What kinds of occasions need people to arrive early?
Why do some people like to stay up late?
27. Describe a café you like to visit (new)
Where it is/ What kinds of food and drinks it serves/
What you do there/ Explain why you like to go there.
P3: What kind of people would like to go to a cafe?
8
Why do young people like studying in a cafe instead of
at home?
Do old people like to drink coffee?
Do Vietnamese people like to drink coffee?
28. Describe an exciting book that you enjoy
reading (new)
When you read it / What kind of book it is /What it is
about /And explain why you think it is exciting
P3: Do you prefer books or movies?
Do you think it is very important to read the book
before watching the movie version of it?
Do boys and girls like the same kinds of books?
What kinds of books do Vietnamese people like
reading?
29. Describe a person who solved a problem in a
smart way (new)
Who this person is / What the problem was / How
he/she solved it / And explain why you think he/she did
it in a smart way
P3: Do you think children are born smart or they learn
to become smart?
How do children become smart at school?
Why are some people well-rounded and others only
good at one thing?
Why does modern society need talents of all kinds?
 SPEAKING TOPIC – SEPTEMBER 2021 – RAY NGUYEN
30. Describe a time you were friendly to someone
you didn't like (new)
When and where it happened
Who he/she was /Why you didn't like this person /And
explain why you were friendly to him/her on that
occasion.
P3: Why are people friendly with the person they don't
like?
What kinds of people are usually friendly?
What are the differences between being friendly and
being polite?
What do you think of the people who are always
straightforward?
31. Describe a businessman you admire (new)
Who this person is / How you knew this person /What
kinds of business this person does / And explain why
you admire this person
P3: What do you think is the retirement age for men
and women?
What kinds of qualities do people need to run their
own business?
What do you think are the key factors that contribute to
the success of a business?
If you had the opportunity to have your own business,
what business would it be? Why?
32. Describe a place you visited on vacation (new)
Where it is / When you went there /What you did
there /And explain why you went there
P3: What are some popular attractions that people like
to visit in your country?
Do old people and young people choose different
places to go on vacation? Why?
What do young people and old people think about
when making travel plans?
How do people get to know a new place?
33. Describe a good service you received (new)
What the service was /When you received it /Who you
were with / And how you felt about it
P3: What do you think of the relationship between
companies and customers?
As a customer, what kinds of services would you
expect to receive from a company?
What kinds of jobs involve coping with the public?
Why should companies react quickly when customers
have difficulties?
34. Describe a creative person whose work you
admire (new)
Who he/she is / How you knew him/her /What creative
things he/she has done /And explain why you think
he/she is creative
P3: Do you think you are a creative person?
9
Is it good for children to learn arts?
What kinds of jobs require people to be creative?
Do you think leaders need to have creative ability?
35. Describe a famous athlete you know (new)
Who he/she is / How you knew him/her / What he/she
has achieved/ And explain why he/she is famous
P3: What kinds of exercises do Vietnamese people
like?
What characteristics do you think an athlete should
have?
Why are there so few top athletes?
What's the best way to become a top athlete?
36. Describe a bicycle/motorcycle/car trip you
would like to go (new)
Who you would like to go with /Where you would like
to go / When you would like to go /And explain why
you would like to go by bicycle/ motorcycle/ car
P3: Which form of vehicle is more popular in your
country, bikes, cars or motorcycles?
Do you think air pollution comes mostly from mobile
vehicles?
Do you think people need to change the way of
transportation drastically to protect the environment?
How are the transportation systems in urban areas
and rural areas different?
 SPEAKING TOPIC – SEPTEMBER 2021 – RAY NGUYEN
37. Describe a difficult decision that you once
made (new)
What the decision was / When you made your decision
/How long it took to make the decision /And explain
why it was difficult to make
P3: What decisions do people usually make in their
daily lives?
Which is easier, making a decision by yourself or
making a decision after group discussion?
Who your friend is/ What habit he/she has /When you
noticed this habit /And explain why you want to
develop this habit
P3: Do you often buy more than you expected?
What do you think young people spend most of their
money on?
Do you think it is important to save money? Why?
Do people buy things they don't need?
Is a good teacher very important for students, learning
experience? Why?
42. Describe a time when you felt proud of a family
member (new)
When it happened / Who the person is / What the
person did / And explain why you felt proud of him/her
P3: When would parents feel proud of their children?

Why are many young people unwilling to follow their
parents' advice?
Why would middle-aged people tend to second-guess
their own decisions?
40. Describe an activity you usually do that wastes
your time (new)
What it is / When you usually do it /Why you do it / And
explain why you think it wastes your time
Should parents reward children? Why and how?
Is it good to reward children too often? Why?
On what occasions would adults be proud of
themselves?

38 Describe a person who impressed you most
when you were in primary school (new)
Who he/she is/ How you knew him/her /Why he/she
impressed you most/And how you feel about him/her
P3: Why do people always miss their childhood?
Are kids happier than adults? Why?
Why do people still remember many of their friends
from primary school?
What kinds of primary school teachers will impress
students?
P3: How do you balance life and work?
43. Describe a difficult thing you did (new)
Will you continue doing something when you are
aware that it’s a waste of time? What it was / How you did/completed it /Why it was
difficult / And how you felt about doing it
What kinds of things make people feel pressured?
P3: What kinds of jobs require people to be confident?
Why do some people refuse to abide by rules?
On what occasions should children be encouraged?
How?
41. Describe a skill that was difficult for you to How do you help children stay focused?
learn (new)
What challenges do young people face today?
When you learned it / Why you learned it / How you
learned it / How you felt when you learned it

P3: What skills do students need to master?

39. Describe an item on which you spent more Is it hard for students to learn new skills?
than expected (new)
Is it hard for old people to learn new skills?

10